1,800 Freshmen Welcomed To Kuztown U.

September 05, 1985|The Morning Call

Amid strike threats, more than 1,800 freshman students came to Kutztown University Tuesday to open the school's 120th academic year.

"The next four years will live with you for the rest of your life, and personal achievement and professional accomplishment begin now," said Dr. Robert J. Wittman, vice president of the university, as he delivered the convocation address. Dr. Wittman predicted that some of those gathered Tuesday could take part in the colonization of outer-space and perhaps play a role in the elimination of disease.

The official opening of the 1985-86 year was proclaimed by Dr. Lawrence M. Stratton, president of the school. "You all have the ability and individual and unique characteristics," he said. "Use your talents from day one and move forward. We believe in you. Believe in yourselves."

No mention was made Tuesday of the strike threatened by nearly 300 teachers at the University over a salary dispute. Following contract negotiations that are scheduled to end this Friday, teacher representatives should meet Saturday to approve a strike authorization vote. An authorization vote would then be held Sept. 18-19. After that, the teachers have said they will give the state until Oct. 5 to arrange a better offer. If not, the teachers say they will step out of Kutztown's classrooms and onto the picket line.